Weather in Vancouver: possible rain, snow in the mountains

Metro Vancouver should brace for wet weather and the possibility of early-season snow this weekend.

Environment Canada meteorologist Trevor Smith says the storm will bring moisture to the region starting Saturday morning (Nov. 16) and continuing through the night.

“The meteorological service can issue a warning about precipitation,” he told VIA, adding that up to 50 mm of precipitation should fall in 24 hours.

“It’s not an atmospheric river, it’s wet weather.”

The forecast for Friday night calls for a 30 percent chance of light rain, but mostly dry weather is expected.

The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes snowfall at higher elevations

The North Coast mountains should get their first significant snowfall, with at least 12 inches of snow during the storm. Elsewhere, above 500 meters, such as at Simon Fraser University, wet flakes could be seen.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway will also see its first significant snow event, with 5 to 10 cm of snow falling in Whistler Township.

“There may even be a snowfall warning,” the meteorologist warned.

Smith says the rain and snow is expected to taper off Sunday, though the chance for showers will remain into next week. A second storm is expected on Tuesday.

For now, local residents should focus on the coming storm. Although it will not produce the same amount of precipitation as the October atmospheric river, the precipitation will be heavy at times.

“It’s a good system coming in on Saturday; a fairly typical storm.’

Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts 50 districts in the Lower Mainland with Weatherhood by VIA.